Highlights of Findings from a Survey of High School Seniors' Educational and Vocational Goals.

Engels, Dennis W.; Bonk, Edward C.

A survey designed to obtain information regarding high school seniors' educational and career goals was developed and administered to 575 seniors in nine Denton County, Texas public high schools in the spring of 1978. The most frequently chosen career clusters emerging from the survey were Business and Office, Health and Service occupations. Females tended to choose traditional occupations. Graduates of rural schools and more males than females planned to begin work immediately following graduation. Over half the seniors planned to continue formal education. Realistic estimates of beginning income (between $6,000 and $14,000 per year) were made by 53% males and 52% of females, with females expecting lower incomes than males. Family and friends were cited as the most influential factors in choosing future activities. Seniors felt their school had helped their social and self-development but had not adequately prepared them for jobs. Most desired more career counseling. In selecting colleges, seniors placed most value in their own judgments and little on teacher and counselor influence. Finding out which jobs were open, and having the skills and knowledge to do the job, were seen as major obstacles to employment. (NRB)